Amman is the capital and the largest city in Jordan where the majority of the population resides, There you can see modernity mixed with antiquity in a special way.
In the Western Amman area, you see tall buildings, fancy restaurants, big malls, and beautiful new and modern houses built with limestone. Going downtown (Al Balad) you can experience a different essence. Like every country has its own Capital Downtown, Jordan has its own unique Downtown full of restaurants and great stores for shopping. It’s the more authentic part of Amman where you can enjoy a nice walk and see distinct shops; restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops, and jewelry stores
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN DOWNTOWN
You can spend a whole day in downtown Amman and I recommend that you go on an empty stomach. start your visit to the famous Hashim Restaurant to have an amazing breakfast in an open-air area where you fill up with authentic dishes of the best Falafel, Hummos with minced meat, Fattet Hummos, foul, and a dish of vegetables. They’ve been serving Jordanian food since 1952.
If you are a sweet lover, you should try the famous Kunafah from Habiba Restaurant. It is one of the oldest, authentic and famous Kunafah in Amman. I personally found it too sweet because they add syrup, you can ask them not to add syrup and make sure you have a bottle of water or coffee to accompany the Kunafah.
A place that caught my attention is called Jafra cafe, an old traditional coffee shop with a vintage look. If you just want to relax and have a nice cup of coffee and experience a unique feeling you can visit this shop. This place is amazing, it is full of antique pieces hanging down the ceiling, and the design is just so beautiful. besides the people being so kind and the coffee smells beautiful, there is a nice view where you can experience and see people walking by the shop. They play nice old music by the famous Arabic singer Fairouz. The place is great and the overall experience and the atmosphere are great.
If you are looking for some great souvenirs there are many places where you can find souvenirs representing all parts of Jordan and Dead Sea products at reasonable prices and you can negotiate the price. They sell mugs, bracelets, bags, notepads, picture frames, clothes, personalized and custom-made sand jars of all sizes and so much more. if you are a jewelry lover, Amman downtown has many stores where you can find one of the best Gold and Silver stores of all kinds, the designs are beautiful and the prices are decent.
They have many Shisha stores where they sell different sizes and shapes.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Jordan’s climate ranges from a more Mediterranean climate to a desert climate, and you can visit any time of the year, but the best time to go would be between March to June and September to November.
FOOD
Jordan is well known for its top-quality dates. I stopped at Khattab Dates shop to buy some. They sell plain dates of different sizes, also they have them coated with chocolate and stuffed with nuts. They have an amazing collection that I bought a variety of them to take back home as gifts.
TRANSPORTATION
To get there it took me about 20 min drive. if rent a car you can park in one of many parking lots there for 2 JD per day. or you can take an UBER for around 3JD per ride.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Jordan is the safest country in the Middle East, even for female travelers. People in Jordan are welcoming and many speak English.
Before traveling to Jordan you should consider that it’s not a cheap country. a meal in a local restaurant– hummus and falafel – will be in the range of JD4. For the more fancy meals, you will pay up to JD 35. The exchange rate is 1.4 USD to 1 JD. Tipping is not mandatory but it is appreciated.
Wifi is available in restaurants and malls. but the best way to stay connected is to buy a local prepaid visitor SIM card at the airport. the price will range from 10 to 30 Jd depending on the plan and the duration.
Don’t drink tap water. I recommend that you only drink bottled mineral water which is available in all shops.
Mar Muerto / Dead Sea / البحر الميت the lowest point on earth, it’s 423 meters below sea level. The saltiest water body on Earth is 10 times saltier than the ocean. It is also rich in other minerals like magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium, which make it therapeutic. It is a must to float in the dead sea and feel the benefits of its natural minerals.
The Dead Sea lies about 55 Km southwest of Amman. We took the Dead Sea HW (route 65) and enjoyed the spectacular scenery while driving down to the lowest point on Earth. The mountains and rock formations along the road are breathtaking.
We stopped at the Panorama Dead Sea Complex, where we looked at the mystic views of the sea from a higher point. From that spot, you can see the mixed shapes of the colored sky that are magically reflected on the salty surface of the water.
While enjoying the view you can have breakfast, lunch, or a cup of coffee in the Panorama restaurant. Also, you can take a tour of the Museum of the Panorama Complex where you can go back in history and discover the story of how the dead sea was formed. The museum has several displays that describe Geology, archaeology, and ecology. In addition, you can get to know the cultures and civilizations that once occupied the area.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE DEAD SEA
Float in the dead sea
Enjoy the Sunset at the dead sea
Shopping the dead sea beauty products, I recommend Samarah mall where you can buy Dead Sea skincare products at reasonable prices.
Visit Panorama Dead Sea Complex.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
From October to April would be the best time to visit the Dead Sea.
COST AND ACCOMMODATION
We didn’t plan to sleep overnight so we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in the Movenpick resort and spa where we bought a one-day pass for $27. we enjoyed the wonderful facilities and got close to the sea where we stood right in the lowest point of Earth. For an overnight visit, the hotel costs around $120 per night (prices vary according to the season).
There are also many hotels and resorts along the seashore you can pick from.
FOOD
TRANSPORTATION
Renting a car is the most favorable option, it costs around $35 -45 depending on the car model. Another option is to hire a car and a driver for $100 for a full day. Or take a bus from Amman to Amman Beach and would be difficult to explore other places around the area.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Don’t go in the water if you have open cuts or sores. Don’t stay in the water for more than 10 min. you can get out rinse off with regular water then go back again. Don’t get that water into your eyes. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
The city of Petra, the capital of the Nabateans, is considered one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and the most important tourist attraction in Jordan. It is visited by groups of tourists from all over the world. It is located 240 km south of Amman. The entrance fee for the ancient city is $70.
The walking trip starts at The Siq which is a huge rocky crevice that in some locations reaches a height of 80 meters of colored rocks of various shapes. It extends about 1.2 Km. At the end of the Siq, an astonishing scene unfolds in front of you. It is the famous TREASURY.
The treasury is 43 meters high and 30 meters wide, carved in the rock. This beautifully crafted piece of art, which when the sun shines on it, reflects charming colors that attract the beholder with the fragrance of its charm and beauty.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PETRA
The Siq:
On your tour inside the Siq, you will find some sculptures, including Sabino’s idols with Greek inscriptions. There is a water channel built in the form of trenches used to deliver water in the past that you can enjoy watching and taking memorial photos while walking through this wonderful historical masterpiece.
The Treasury
It is one of the most attractive tourist sites in Petra, as it is the first thing that a tourist sees after crossing the Siq. It is now an important tourist attraction in the city.
The colonnaded street
It is considered a Petra landmark, which attracts the attention of tourists to visit it from all over the world. It is a paved street lined with giant inscribed columns, dating back to the third century BC, during the era of the Nabataean kingdom and the Romans who rebuilt it.
Ride a Camel
A camel ride costs, between 5-10 USD you can negotiate with the guys.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Spring is the best time to visit Petra, from March to June when the weather is warm during the day and breezy at night.
COST AND ACCOMMODATION
The ancient city of Petra has a number of the best luxury hotels in Jordan which provide hotel services at several levels that satisfy all tastes and suit different needs.
FOOD
There are several restaurants that are located outside the ancient city that serve middle eastern and international food.
TRANSPORTATION
The easiest way is to rent a car and drive from Amman or Aqaba depending on where you started your trip from. You can hire a taxi or book a tour beforehand.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Be there early in the morning wear comfortable shoes Bring water and snacks
About 40 km north of the city of Amman lies the ancient city of Jerash, which takes you thousands of years back time.it is one of the most preserved ancient Roman cities in the world.
This fascinating Roman city is surrounded by forested hills, and it is full of archaeological wonders and authentic local charm, and indeed a trip there will ensure that you discover history at its best with an incomparable group of buildings and archaeological places that are really worth a visit.. Indeed, the remaining structure of these ruins reflects the historical influence, including magnificent colonnades, squares, temples, and theaters, and amphitheaters.
If you’re only planning a half-day trip in Jerash as I did, you’ll want to explore the well-preserved ruins in the least amount of time, most of them are located inside the archaeological park which is usually open 7:30 am to 7 pm and of course, you will need to pay $17 for the entrance fee.
I traveled by car and the journey from Amman to Jerash took just under an hour.
Start at Hadrian’s Arch, the southern gateway to the ancient city, before heading to the forum, a massive colonnaded limestone plaza with its own temple and theater. From there, walk along the Avenue of Columns, an impressive straight north-south street, to the North Gate, stopping along the path at the north theatre and the Temple of Artemis.
We had lunch at The Lebanese House Restaurant, a favorite of locals and travelers alike, as it is located just a few minutes drive from the ancient city, with a menu filled with exquisitely prepared international dishes and exquisite traditional cuisine.
Two days’ stay at Aqaba was enough to explore this lively city. Aqaba is a distinguished tourists center and the only port of Jordan on the tip of the Red Sea. It lies around 350 Km south of Amman.
The small city has a lot to offer since it is full of water features and heritage that makes it the ideal destination for a vacation.
Aqaba’s water is distinguished by the presence of many species of coral reefs with wonderful colors which makes it a great experience for scuba divers, it also has more than 1200 fish species. and what makes it so great is the water temperature which stays around 66F all year round.
They also arrange boat trips that you can pick one and enjoy the trip with lots of sunshine and amazing lunch on board after a short swim.
I visited in February and the weather was warm, Aqaba best time to visit is from November to May.
Aqaba has a variety of hotels ranging in prices from $ 50 to $150 depending on how many stars and the location from the beach. There are also some resorts and spas and Gulf courses with gorgeous views.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AQABA
Private diving experience
Glass Bottom Boat tour 2hours. we took a 3 hours tour from the hotel in a glass-bottomed boat sailing along the Red Sea, we looked through the glass bottom of the boat directly into the sea below while the captain gave us details about the underwater world. we discovered the colorful marine life among the reefs and then we took a 30-minute swim and snorkel session. we returned to the boat and dined from the open buffet with a variety of dishes. the boat trip costs around $100 per person.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum
Aqaba Bird Observatory
COST WHEN TRAVELING TO AQABA
Accommodation- The hotel I booked was $150 per night for a standard room, breakfast was included. It was a 5-star hotel and is rated as one of the luxurious hotels in Aqaba. There are cheaper options and they’re nice too.
FOOD – A fish meal costs around $ 20, Falafel or shawarma cost $9,
I had an amazing dinner at Ali Baba restaurant, it’s a famous restaurant which serves local cuisine, Seafood, Middle Eastern, and Vegetarian Friendly
Transportation – Aqaba is a small city, most tourists walk around. Taxis are the other alternative if you need to go to a place farther away from your hotel. A taxi ride for 10 km will cost around $5. if you take Uber it will cost a little bit more.
Wadi Rum is the product of millions of years of complex geological and climatic processes. People have lived in Wadi Rum for thousands of years. Even the Nabataeans of Petra inhabited Wadi Rum, leaving behind many structures. More than 40,000 drawings and engravings on rocks date back to 12000 BC. These drawings and inscriptions in different languages from distinct civilizations are widely spread in Wadi Rum, making it one of the world’s richest collections of rock art
Wadi Rum is a breathtaking desert valley located in southern Jordan, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. There are several reasons to visit Wadi Rum, including:
Natural Beauty: The valley is home to towering sandstone cliffs, rolling sand dunes, and unique rock formations, all of which create a stunning and otherworldly landscape.
Cultural Significance: Wadi Rum has been inhabited by various Bedouin communities for centuries, and they have left behind a rich cultural heritage, including rock inscriptions, stone circles, and other ancient structures.
Adventure Activities: Visitors to Wadi Rum can go on a range of exciting adventures, including camel rides, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, and jeep tours.
Star Gazing: Wadi Rum is known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography.
Peaceful and Serene: Wadi Rum is a peaceful and serene place, offering visitors an opportunity to escape from the fast-paced modern world and reconnect with nature.
Unique Accommodation: Visitors to Wadi Rum can choose from a variety of unique accommodation options, including traditional Bedouin tents, camping, and even treehouses.
Overall, Wadi Rum is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an immersive and authentic experience in Jordan.
HOW TO GET TO TO WADI RUM
There are many options to get to Wadi Rum. You can take a bus if you’re traveling alone where you can meet with other tourists with organized tours by some companies. If you’re traveling with a group, renting a car would be a good option (the car rent varies from 25-30 JD, 35-40 USD a day for a new model and insurance). From Amman, take the Desert Hwy (4 hours) or the breathtaking Jordan Valley Hwy (5 hours). If you’re traveling from Aqaba the journey will take around an hour.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN WADI RUM?
There is no entrance fee for the area of Wadi Rum. There are many options to explore the area, hiking or riding a camel on a tour that costs about $20 per person for one hour. A jeep ride is the most traditional and quick way to get to know Wadi Rum, a 4-hour tour for 3-4 people usually costs around 35 dinars per person. The drivers are professional and speak English well, and have a great knowledge of the area and all the historical details there.
They will take you across the enormous sand dunes, racing the desert winds, and marveling at the majesty and magnificence of Wadi Rum’s rock formations. We embarked on an incredible journey that took us to hidden canyons, oddly formed rocks, and ancient sites.
They are 6 stops that all tour we walked barefoot on the soft sands and we visited the famous locations and stayed with the welcoming Bedouins in their tents where they offered us the best cup of tea we’ve ever had.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WADI RUM
Burdah Rock Bridge It’s one of the most famous rocks in Wadi Rum and the highest rock arch in the region. it takes about three hours to climb it. At the top, you will enjoy the amazing view of the desert. The granite and marble mountains form beautiful scenery.
Lawrence’s house Lawrence of Arabia is a British military commander and a very famous historical figure, This man left his country to live in the desert and contributed to the Arab revolt against the Turks and believed in their cause. This is a must-see historic attraction in Wadi Rum.
Mushroom Rock The Mushroom Rock is one of the most famous rock formations in Wadi Rum. It has a pointed shape at the top on a narrow stone stem forming a mushroom shape. This rock was formed in this way due to wind and rain erosion, which affected the softer layers at the bottom, while the upper layers remained because they are harder. In the past, this rock used to attract shepherds and Bedouins to rest under avoiding the desert sun.
The Little Bridge From its name, it’s a small bridge with an approximately 4-meter extension, at its base, you can easily touch the bridge. Can be climbed easily and is a great spot to take pictures of gorgeous views.
Um Fruth rock bridge It is one of the most photographed places in Wadi Rum. The bridge is about 15 meters high. It is steep but not difficult to climb with directions from your tour guide.
Visiting Bedouins
Bedouins are known for their hospitality and generosity. You can sit with them and get acquainted with their customs and traditions, tasting their coffee and tea.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Wadi Rum is an excellent destination for travel throughout the year, but that does not mean that the period from March to May and from September to November are the mildest months for more enjoyment, and indeed it seems that spring is special in this region of Jordan, where the desert plants are at their best.
FOOD
In the visitor center, you can buy some simple dishes and drinks, and there are also a couple of shops in Wadi Rum village. It is common for all accommodation and Wadi Rum desert camps to include breakfast and dinner in their prices. While lunch is included in the tours.
Also, there are camps that provide food, drinks, and overnight services. You must try the Zarb food, which is cooked in closed pots under the sand with meat.
ACCOMMODATION
In Wadi Rum, there are two options for overnight accommodation: camping or bed and breakfast. You may pick between “wild campsites” with few facilities, where you can bring your own tent and deluxe Bedouin-style campsites with all amenities and entertainment. Rum Village also has a permanent campground with showers and toilets.
TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, lightweight/safety shoes, a cap, sunglasses, and an adequate amount of water. There is no internet connection in most of the Wadi Rum desert camps. Also, there is no cell phone signal in some parts of the desert.
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